Although the former Real Madrid star is an exquisite footballer, which he is, the loan spell at Derby County during the 2010-11 season does cast a doubt to whether he would be the right fit for Tottenham and the Premier League.

When he first signed for Derby, he was a class above everybody else on the pitch. And his flawless technique and vision was incredible to watch.

However, as the season grew into the winter months, the exciting Spaniard seemed to freeze up.

The movement and fluidity in his play had all but faded as the pace, power and physicality of the English game left him, at times, looking like a boy among men.

In between the October 17 and April 24, he managed just the one goal, a consolation strike in a defeat to Ipswich in February, and found himself in and out the Derby side.